Punjab Government Releases ₹30.35 Crores to 5,951 Beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government Led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Committed to Welfare of Scheduled Castes

Chandigarh, January 18: The Punjab Government has released ₹30.35 crores for 5,951 beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2024-25.

Providing more details, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, shared that Ashirwad for Scheduled Caste Scheme the amount had been sanctioned to address the pending applications of beneficiaries for 2023-24 and 2024-25 received through the Ashirwad Portal. Beneficiaries from the districts of Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar, Sangrur and Malerkotla have been covered.

The Minister of Social Justice said that financial benefits have been given to 136 beneficiaries of Barnala, 455 of Bathinda, 187 of Faridkot, 1230 of Ferozepur, 192 of Fatehgarh Sahib, 347 of Fazilka, 189 of Hoshiarpur, 1263 of Jalandhar. Similarly, 271 of Mansa, 90 of Sri Muktsar Sahib, 530 of Patiala, 199 of Rupnagar, S.A.S. 218 of Nagar, S.B.S. 166 beneficiaries of Nagar, 408 of Sangrur and 70 of Malerkotla have also been given financial benefits.

The Ashirwad Scheme provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of daughters from low-income families. The scheme is applicable to permanent residents of Punjab who belong to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or economically weaker families with an annual income below ₹32,790. Each eligible family can benefit for up to two daughters.

The minister also emphasized that the financial aid is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Government is making continuous efforts for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and economically weaker sections. She reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s dedication to improving the living standards and economic stability of every section of society.

=============================================

PUNJAB LAUNCHES ANTI-SNAKE VENOM TREATMENT IN GOVT VETERINARY FACILITIES

• Polyvalent anti-snake venom medicine is available in all district & tehsil veterinary hospitals, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian

•Dept officials asked to display SOP regarding the facility at every veterinary facility for livestock farmers’ awareness

Chandigarh, January 18:In a significant move to enhance animal healthcare in the state, Punjab Government has launched an anti-snake venom treatment in all the district and tehsil level veterinary hospitals across the state.

Announcing this today, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Polyvalent anti-snake venom medicine has been made available in all 22 polyclinics at the district level and 97 tehsil veterinary hospitals across the state and the medicine will be administered totally free of cost. This initiative aims to provide immediate and effective treatment for pets and livestock affected by snake bites, which pose a serious threat to animal health. He further informed that the veterinary hospitals are equipped with the necessary anti-venom supplies and trained personnel to handle snake bite emergencies. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s this proactive measure is expected to save countless animals' lives and improve the overall welfare of pets and livestock in the state.

Highlighting the importance of timely treatment in preventing fatalities due to snake bites, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed the department officials to sensitise all pet owners and livestock farmers about this facility and signs of snake bites and encourage them to seek immediate veterinary care when needed.

Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. Rahul Bhandari, directed the officials that the SOP regarding this facility should be displayed in every veterinary facility for the awareness of the farmers.

Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Gursharanjit Singh Bedi said that the preliminary symptoms of snakebite is difficulty in breathing, fang marks on the body, pain in the body, trembling and paralysis, blood in urine etc. He advised that the farmers should not cut or suck the wound, but should approach the nearest veterinary hospital as soon as possible and contact the veterinary doctor to start the treatment of the affected animal.

============================================

Entrance Examination for Admission to RIMC, Dehradun on June 1, 2025

Last Date for Submission of Applications is March 31, 2025

Chandigarh, January 18,The spokesperson of the Directorate of Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, informed that the written entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, for the January 2026 Term will be conducted on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The examination will be held at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector 15, Chandigarh.

The spokesperson further stated that both boys and girls are eligible to apply for admission to RIMC, Dehradun. Applicants must be born between January 2, 2013, and July 1, 2014 (both dates inclusive). Additionally, candidates should either be currently studying in Class VII or have passed Class VII from a recognized school. Those selected will be admitted to Class VIII. The examination will consist of three written papers: English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be invited for a viva-voce/interview. The schedule for the viva-voce will be intimated later.

The spokesperson said that prospectus-cum-application form and a booklet of old question papers can be obtained by making an online payment of Rs. 600 for General Candidates and Rs. 555 for SC/ST Candidates on the RIMC website at www.rimc.gov.in. Upon receipt of payment, the materials will be dispatched via Speed Post.

Alternatively, the prospectus-cum-application form and booklet of old question papers can also be obtained by sending a written request along with a Demand Draft of Rs. 600 for General Candidates or Rs. 555 for SC/ST Candidates (with caste certificate). The Demand Draft should be drawn in favor of "THE COMMANDANT RIMC FUND" and payable at HDFC Bank,Drawee Branch, Ballupur Chowk, Dehradun (Bank Code 1399) Uttrakhand. The application must include the candidate’s complete address in capital letters, including PIN code and contact number.

The spokesperson highlighted that applications must be submitted in duplicate and accompanied by the following documents: a birth certificate, state domicile certificate, SC/ST certificate (if applicable), three passport-size photographs, a photocopy of the candidate's Aadhar Card (both sides), and an original certificate from the Principal of the current school with a photograph affixed and duly attested, stating the candidate's date of birth and the class in which they are studying.

The spokesperson emphasized that completed applications must reach the Directorate Defence Services Welfare Punjab, Punjab Sainik Bhawan, Sector 21-D, Chandigarh, on or before March 31, 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered.